Dear Sri Madhusudhanan,
From what I have learned, sa:stra defines dharma as - dhriyathe:dha:rayathe: ithi dharmaha - dharma is something that both is to be supported and which supports us. There is no single word, no hard and fast set of rules or codes of conduct, that can define what dharma is; it is only to be practiced, it really cannot be taught. While it is built upon the spirit of the ideals of Ve:da, the practice of dharma is fluid, varying from individual to individual, experience to experience, and from condition to condition. But, if anything were to define it, it could be said that it involves patience and introspection, such that we can clearly and objectively observe the conditions around us, and respond in ways such that some positive benefit will result.
Our acha:ryas use the exampe of water in describing dharma in practice. In its essence, water remains constant. But, it assumes the color and shape of the container in which it is placed. Similarly, a good human being must seek to live a life of service to the Divine as is one's True Nature, and express this by willing to respond in appropriate ways that are suited to varying conditions and personalities. In the case of our dealing with fellow human beings, to some patience and forgiveness must shown, to others strenth and sometimes even force must be shown, and still to others love and nurturing must be offered. But, all these actions or emotions should have behind them the overarching ideal that it will bring some benefit to the other person(s) involved.
Consequently whether we individually forgive or not forgive someone is not as important as whether or not our response brings some spiritual benefit to him/her.
Experience and practice is the best way to understand this. I hope this helps.
Ramanuja dasan Mohan k_madhusudhan22 wrote:
Dear all, I apologize if this question is out of context.With my limited knowledge and reading I understand that "Forgiveness is Dharma"; but to follow this in practice is extremley difficult.
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